*This article includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
My boyfriend and I frequent a local brewery. We like to sit at the bar and talk with the bartenders. I noticed that the brewery has jars of dehydrated oranges they use for garnishing some mixed drinks they make. After seeing these dehydrated oranges, I thought, I could do that…I do own a dehydrator.
Dehydrating oranges is my new favorite way to add flavor to water or another beverage. Here’s how you can make dehydrated oranges for yourself.
How do you prepare oranges for dehydrating?
Select oranges that have a nice peel. Since you will dehydrate the orange and the peel, you want a peel free from bruising or visible damage. This is not the time to use up your old, sad looking oranges. Save those for juicing or eating, assuming they are not bad inside.
Pro tip: Use an orange that is not easy to peel, such as a Cara Cara orange or a Valencia orange. Cuties and easy-to-peel mandarin oranges do not work as well because you want the peel to keep the orange segments together.
Wash the orange peel with just water, rubbing with your hands. This is to remove any dirt, germs, or bacteria that may be on the peel. Do not use any soap, bleach or detergent to wash the orange.
Slice the oranges into equal sized slices, about 1/4 to 3/8 inch. Place the orange slices on the dehydrator trays without overlapping them. Do not put any slices on that do not contain the fruit pulp as these will not have the orange flavor when done.
What Kitchen Tools are needed?
Either a straight-edge mandolin and a V-slicer will work to quickly cut the oranges. These tools also keep the size of your slices consistent. If you do not own a mandolin or V-slicer, you can certainly use a cutting board and sharp knife. Sharpen your knife before cutting to make easier work.
Pro tip: I’ve tried both the V-slicer and a mandolin to slide my oranges. I found the V-slicer catches the side edges of the orange and starts to make a clean cut. The straight-edge mandolin crushed the orange before starting the slice.
What Temperature should the oranges be dehydrated at?
Dehydrate the oranges at 125 – 135 degrees F. It will take at least 12 hours to dehydrate the oranges. It is okay to over-dry the oranges. While you can dehydrate the oranges at a higher temperature, this may cause the orange pulp to look more brown in color.
What affects drying time of dehydrated oranges?
- Sugar content: foods with higher sugar content take longer to dehydrate
- Size: thicker slices will take longer to dehydrate; slices that are too thin may fall apart
- Humidity: if there’s more humidity in the air, the oranges will take longer to dehydrate
- Crowding: Overlapping slices will cause them to stick to each other and reduce airflow
How do you know when the oranges are done?
The dehydrated oranges are done when they do not feel wet. They may have some tackiness when touched. If they feel wet or have too much tackiness, they will need longer on the dehydrator. You can also try to bend the dehydrated orange. If the orange slice is flimsy or flexible it is not done.
A good way to check for doneness is to set a slice on the counter and let it cool. If the slice cracks when trying to bend it, it is done.
How should the dehydrated oranges be stored?
Store the dehydrated orange slices in a container in a cool, dark place. A tighter fitting lid may help keep the humidity out. They should last for about 6 to 12 months.
What can you use dehydrated oranges for?
- Add them to water to add flavor. This works great if you don’t like plain water or have a picky child!
- Eat them as a snack
- Put them in an adult beverage
- Use them for craft projects, such as potpourri or a fall wreath
- Put some in a plastic bag to carry with you when out and about to encourage water consumption
If you dehydrated oranges, please share your comments below. I’d love to hear how you used or plan to use your dehydrated oranges!